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Differences in Cognitive-Perceptual Factors Arising From Variations in Self-Professed Paranormal Ability
Kenneth Graham Drinkwater1, Neil Dagnall1, Andrew Denovan1
1Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Psychology
|June 28, 2021
Summary
Individuals claiming paranormal abilities exhibit higher paranormal belief and emotion-based reasoning, aligning with subclinical delusion formation. This suggests a link between paranormal claims and cognitive styles related to intuitive thinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Parapsychology
Background:
- Paranormal beliefs are widespread, yet their cognitive underpinnings are not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests a link between paranormal experiences and cognitive biases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-professed paranormal ability and cognitive factors associated with subclinical delusion formation.
- To compare thinking styles across individuals with no, self-professed, and professional paranormal abilities.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 917 participants completed online self-report measures.
- Participants were categorized into three groups: no paranormal ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners.
- Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant descriptive analysis were employed.
Main Results:
- Paranormal practitioners scored significantly higher on paranormal belief, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning compared to other groups.
- Belief in science did not emerge as a significant factor in distinguishing groups.
- Results indicated a correlation between paranormal cognition and factors related to intuitive/emotion-based thinking.
Conclusions:
- Self-professed paranormal ability is associated with cognitive styles that resemble subclinical delusion formation.
- Emotion-based reasoning and intuitive thinking appear to be key cognitive correlates of paranormal belief and experience.
- Findings support existing literature linking paranormal cognition to specific psychological and cognitive traits.
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